Does Florida have State-Funded Health Insurance?

If you live in Florida and wonder whether the state offers any kind of help with health insurance, you’re not alone. A lot of people are surprised to find out that yes, Florida does have several state-funded programs to help residents get healthcare. But figuring out what’s available and who qualifies can feel like solving a puzzle.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in plain English—so you can understand your options and find out if you or your family are eligible.

Table of Contents

What Is State-Funded Health Insurance?

State-funded health insurance is basically health coverage that’s paid for—either fully or partially—by the government. It’s usually meant for people who:

**Florida have State-Funded Health Insurance**

Can’t afford private insurance
Have disabilities
Are seniors
Or fall within a certain income range

These programs are run by both the federal and state governments, which means the rules can vary depending on where you live.

Florida’s Healthcare System in a Nutshell

Florida has a bit of a mixed approach. While it hasn’t expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the state does offer a few key programs to help people in need. The main ones include:

Medicaid
Florida KidCare
Programs for seniors and people with disabilities

The catch? You have to know what to look for—and how to apply.

Medicaid in Florida

What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint program between the federal government and the state that helps low-income individuals and families get health insurance. In Florida, it’s run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

Who Can Qualify?
Florida has stricter Medicaid rules than some other states. But you may qualify if you are:

A child or teen under 21
A pregnant woman
A parent or caretaker of a minor
Age 65 or older
Blind or have a disability
In a certain income bracket

How to Apply
You can apply online at the ACCESS Florida website, by phone, or by visiting a local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office.

Income Guidelines
Florida uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to decide who qualifies. For example:

A family of three must earn under about $32,000 per year
Pregnant women may qualify with slightly higher income
Seniors and disabled individuals are also evaluated by their assets

What’s Covered?
Florida Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including:

Doctor visits
Hospital care
Prescription drugs
Mental health services
Lab tests and X-rays
Dental and vision (for children)

Also Read: Which Health Insurance Plan is best for Freelancers?

Florida KidCare: Health Insurance for Kids

Florida KidCare is for children under 19 who don’t have insurance.

Who Qualifies?
If your family makes too much for Medicaid but still can’t afford private insurance, your kids may qualify. Some families pay nothing, while others pay a low monthly premium.

What’s Covered?
It’s full health coverage for kids, including:

Routine check-ups
Vaccines
Emergency care
Dental and vision services

You can apply online, and the process is pretty fast.

Medically Needy Program

What if your income is too high for Medicaid—but your medical bills are huge?

The Medically Needy Program may help. It allows you to “spend down” your income by subtracting medical expenses. If, after that, your income falls below Medicaid limits, you can qualify temporarily.

Long-Term Care Help

Florida also provides long-term care for:

Seniors who need nursing home care
People with disabilities
Those who qualify for in-home services

Programs like the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) help people get care at home instead of moving into a facility.

What About the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Florida?

Even though Florida didn’t expand Medicaid, the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) is still available.

Many Floridians qualify for big discounts on private insurance plans based on income. It’s worth checking out.

Why Didn’t Florida Expand Medicaid?

The state chose not to expand Medicaid under the ACA due to cost and political reasons. As a result, there’s a coverage gap—some adults make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford ACA plans. Programs like Medically Needy try to fill that gap.